Formula boards are wide and short. When running fast downwind over the backs of 1 meter waves (shallow bay racing), the boards stay pretty stable (width) and they don't stick into the backs of the next wave (short), they just slide over and occasionally with enough speed, you get some air, landing on the top of the next wave.

The first generation Formula boards were a bit longer (F175) and did stick into the next wave. As they shorten them up, they found that they stuck less.

It's hard to imagine traveling at 25 to 28 knots of board speed over the backs of 1 meter chop, but it can be done with enough practice. Scary as Hell, but doable.